State Tounrnament Preview: Most Important Player for Each Team
Who’s name is at the top of the scouting report? Who is going to possess the ball on the final possession of a close game? Which player must have a big weekend if his team is going to win the…
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Continue ReadingWho’s name is at the top of the scouting report?
Who is going to possess the ball on the final possession of a close game?
Which player must have a big weekend if his team is going to win the 2019 State Championship?
All 16 teams we will watch this coming weekend at the State Tournament has their guy — the most important player on the team.
DIVISION III
Purcell Marian’s AJ Garrett | 6’6” senior F
Starting off the list of players with one of the toughest calls. We don’t want anyone to reading this to think we’re down-playing the importance of Alex Dotson, Javonta Lyons, or any player really. It’s just that Garrett’s versatility, athleticism, and potential as a mismatch can set the Cavs apart in any given game.
The unsigned combo forward is explosive off the floor and has taken advantage in some of their most vital wins of the season — 22 points and 9 rebounds against Badin, for example. Conversely, he has been neutralized in Purcell’s few losses, averaging 6.0 points and 4.5 rebounds against Centerville and Moeller. Bottom line: Purcell is tough when Garrett is finishing over the top, creating second chances, and locked in defensively.
Harvest Prep’s CJ Anthony | 6’0” junior PG
Anthony is one of Central Ohio’s most potent bucket-getters, acting as a score-minded wing guard in the winter despite his projection as a collegiate point guard. His points come in transition, half-court sets, at the rim, or from distance. The powerfully built junior’s value only starts with scoring the basketball, though. Anthony plays tremendously hard on both ends. He often beats opponents to their spot to draw charges. Plays with emotion.
Lutheran East’s EJ Farmer | 6’4” sophomore G
Junior Nehemiah Benson has been red hot throughout the last few rounds of the playoffs. Farmer, however, is still likely going to be the guy coach will draw a play up for in crunch time. A D-I prospect with high-major upside, Farmer likes to shoot the ball from distance and can do it off the dribble. Makes quick and efficient separation moves. Farmer is increasingly becoming a threat to make a play attacking the rim. Scored 20 points in their regional final win over Mogadore.
Cardinal Stritch’s Joey Holifield | 6’2” junior PG
Holifield is just as likely to change the game on offense as he is defensively. Remarkably versatile defender for a 6’2” primary ball-handler. Holifield has shown the ability to defend large wings and power forwards — he’s a strong kid with a lot of moxie. Also, laterally quick enough to stick with guards, so don’t be surprised if he defends Farmer on Thursday afternoon. Holifield also has command of Stritch’s offense and is able to control pace. Physical slasher who often drops down assists to the opposite block.
DIVISION II
Sheridan’s Ethan Heller | 6’0” senior PG
The Concord commit has flown under the radar in Southern Ohio. But, make no mistake, Heller has been one of Ohio’s top 2019 point guard prospects all along. He’s a dynamic scorer off the dribble with his ability to pull-up in the mid-range. Good athlete who gets great elevation on his jumper. The multisport athlete is strong and quick enough on his feet to defend most guards at the point of attack, too.
Columbus South’s Treohn Watkins | 6’0” senior PG
Watkins is the leading Bulldog scorer, but just by a hair. The reason we mark Watkins as the Most Important figure for Columbus South is the threat he poses as an outside shooter and his role as a primary ball-handler. The presence of Watkins around the arch — both with or without the ball — relieves help-side pressure from their bevy of slashers. Watkins also has a ton of experience in late-game situations. Of their best four players, Watkins is the only senior.
Buchtel’s Chris Livingston | 6’6” freshman wing
People who haven’t had the opportunity to watch Buchtel this season may be in for a surprise on Thursday afternoon when they just how good Livingston is already. He’s not only a jaw-dropping long-term prospect because of his athleticism and physical tools. Livingston, also, is an intelligent play-maker, three-level shot-maker, and flat-out productive. He and the Griffs may become a staple for this weekend over the next few seasons.
Trotwood’s Amari Davis | 6’4” senior guard
We’re just going to throw some numbers at you here to exemplify Davis’s value.
In the district championship over Thurgood Marshall: 32 points on 15-for-21 from the field, six rebounds, five steals.
Against Springfield, a Division I regional qualifier, in mid-February: 43 points on 14-for-23 from the field, 10 rebounds, six steals.
Regional championship victory over Northridge that sent the Rams to Columbus for the third-straight season: Davis scored 25 points.
Season averages: 29.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, 6.3 steals.
DIVISION IV
Hiland’s Kendall Hochstetler | 6’1” senior guard
Hochstetler was the Inter-Valley Conference Player of the Year at 15.9 points per game. Of the 16 players listed, Hochstetler is certainly the most unknown to our staff. However, we have gathered that he is the unquestioned leader on this team. Hochstetler outside shooting ability is a major threat for Hiland.
St. Henry’s Caden Niekamp | 6’6” senior center
Niekamp has been nothing short of incredible in the two games we’ve watched St. Henry during this postseason run. The 285-pound Ball State football commit provides reliable scoring ability on post-ups and face-ups from the high post. Very skilled with his back to the basket and tremendous blend of agile feet and a strong body. Those physical tools also make him a nightmare on the glass and for opposing post-up bigs. Plays hard.
Richmond Heights’ Curtis Houston | 6’3” senior guard
While juniors Gbolahan Adio and Anthony Maxie are creeping up 2020 recruiting boards, Houston’s command of the offense and scoring production remains the key for Richmond Heights. The point guard is an improved outside shooter and has made defenders pay for going under screens. The threat of the outside jumper has opened up his driving ability that much more. A big primary ball-handler, Houston can finish with either hand in traffic.
Convoy Crestview’s Javin Etzler | 6’7” senior forward
At the end of the day, the older Etzler brother is the one the Knights go to in crunch time, whether it’s to close-out a game at the free throw line or they’re trailing by three on the final possession. Their senior leader is also the best rebounder on the team and will defend the other team’s most physical forward if they’re not in the zone. Scores efficiently from all over the floor. The Miami (OH) commit will take and make the 3-ball in transition.
DIVISION I
St. Edward’s Devontae Blanton | 6’6” junior wing
Blanton is a true three-level scorer whose improved shooting ability has come up crucial for the Eagles. Along with Josh Ogle, Blanton is one of two guys who defenses really don’t want to leave open from deep. Yet, the D-I prospect also drives with an impressive combination of skill and power. Basically, he can take what the defense gives him and makes opponents pay for mistakes anywhere on the floor. His size and rebounding ability will also be crucial against the always-physical Crusaders of Moeller.
Moeller’s Miles “Deuce” McBride | 6’2” senior guard
McBride ties everything together offensively as their experienced floor general — making sure the timing of their sets stays on point, creates shots when needed, and prevents turnovers. He’s also the most impactful defender on the team, often suffocating the other team’s top perimeter player with length and quickness. McBride should be considered very seriously for Mr. Basketball, even if he “only” averages 13.8 points per game.
Olentangy Liberty’s Ben Roderick | 6’5” senior wing
Ohio’s Gatorade Player of the Year has been scoring nearly 30 points per game for the last season and a half. Scores it efficiently and doesn’t need to dribble the air out of the ball to find his buckets. His outside jumper has never been better. Creatively puts it in the hole from either side of the rim with either hand. Elusive finisher in transition. Strong frame.
St. Vincent-St. Mary’s Lunden McDay | 6’3” senior guard
The Ohio Univ. commit is an efficient two-way force who scores the ball on one-dribble pull-ups and tough straight-line drives. Really dangerous when he catches the ball on the wing and his defender is closing out — uses the pump fake very well in those situations. A long athlete, McDay combines his physical gifts with an extraordinary IQ and level of instinct. Two-time State Champion.